Showing posts with label Taking Pictures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Taking Pictures. Show all posts

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Park Maps and Inserts

Each Park offers a map to help you guide your way through the park.  If you are unfamiliar with the park it is a good idea to grab one, establish a meeting location if someone gets lost and take a moment (outside of a walk way) to get to know the park. 

Inside you will find:
- Description of FASTPASS
- Description of PhotoPass
- Newly featured items in the park
- A long list of services and ammenities of the park
- Current Promotions
- Detailed Map of every area in the park (restraunts, rides, parade routes, restrooms, etc.)

Even if you know the park and don't need a map, make sure to grab the inserts that explain what is happening at the park on the day you will be there. 

You will find:
- New experiences at the park
- Times for parades, firework shows, and special events
- Music and performances in each land
- Helful tools for a successful stay in the park
- Disney Character locations (Even though not listed on this flyer, you will almost always find classic characters on Main Street, right as you enter from under the train tracks.)

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Easter

With Spring comes the beautiful flowers and warm weather in the parks. During Easter you will find these two characters hopping in with the regulars.
Disneyland has had this visitor since the park opened. Here are Flower and Thumper visiting children on Easter in 1963.
Along with the seasonal visitors you will find a lot of Easter merchandise and candy sold in the parks.
At Tokyo Disneyland they have a fun-filled Easter Parade. Check out both videos below to see their spirited parade!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Guided Tours of the Disneyland Resort

The following information is taken from Disneyland's Official "Guided Tours" pamplet.

The image of the Tour Guide became synonymous with the wholesome image of Disneyland.  Through an extensive survey of park Guests, which reflected a desire to be toured around Disneyland with a knowledgeable Tour Guide, the program debuted in September of 1958. 

Tour Guides were Walt Disney's personal representatives and exemplified the standards of excellence for the rest of Disneyland to follow.  Not only were tours informative and entertaining, but proved to be a good value to Guests when experiencing attractions and learning the best way to navigate through their day.

Today, the Guest Relations department takes pride in upholding the standards set for us in 1958.  Although our tours have changed and grown to reflect the growth of the Disneyland Resort, each of our guided tours has something that will appeal to everyone.  Whether you enjoy Disney history, uses of todays technologies, having fun with children or simply wanting to know the best way to experience the Disneyland Resort, we have a tour for you!
Current offerings...

A Walk in Walt's Footsteps
- $64 a Guest; Premium & Deluxe Annual Pass Holders, AAA & Disney Visa Members receive 20% discount.
- Approximately 3.5 hours
  • Take a historical look back into Disneyland Park and understand the vision, challenges, and hard work that went into creating everything we associate with Walt Disney.
  • Hear Walt Disney talk about Disneyland in is own words.
  • Have a peek into the Lobby of the exclusive members-only Club 33.
  • Enjoy a private lunch on Main Street, U.S.A.
  • Take home an exclusive, collectible tour pin.
Discover the Magic
- $59 for the first two tickets, $49 for each additional ticket in the same transaction.
- Premium & Deluxe Annual Pass Holders, AAA & Disney Visa Members receive 20% discount.
- Approximately 2.5 hours.
  • Sharpen your sleuthing skills as you work with your guides to discover clues, explore with a treasure map and hunt for hidden treasure!
  • Become a part of the magic as your entire party works together to save the day and have a fun-filled experience!
  • Enjoy 6 classic Disneyland attractions.
  • Receive a delicious frozen treat and a soivenir collectible pin.
  • This experience is recommended for kids ages 3-9 and the young at heart!
  • Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult of legal guardian.
Welcome to the Disneyland Resort!
- $25 a Guest; Premium & Deluxe Annual Pass Holders, AAA & Disney Visa Members receive 20% discount.
- Approximately 2.5 hours
  • Get a Disney-style welcome as you journey through Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure Park learning fun facts and great tips for making the most of your visit.
  • Enjoy priority seating at one of our sensational stage shows and dining locations for any day of your stay (selected locations).
  • Utilize Disney's FASTPASS service with instruction and receive two bonus FASTPASS tickets!
Cruzin' Disney's California Adventure Park
- $99 a Guest; Premium & Deluxe Annual Pass Holders, AAA & Disney Visa Members receive 20% discount.
- Approximately 3 hours.
  • Embark through Disney's California Adventure Park before it opens and learn behind-the-scenes information as you cruise around on a Segway Personal Transporter.
  • Relax and learn the basics of how to ride the Segway while enjoying a light breakfast.
  • Take home a complimentary tour photograph and exclusive, collectible pin after your adventure.
  • This tour has specific requirements.  Please inquire at the Tour Gardens Kiosk in Disneyland Park or the Ticketing & Reservation Line for further details.
Do you love visiting the Disneyland Resort during the holidays?  Then don't miss out on these seasonal favorites!

Disney's Happiest Haunts
- $64 a Guest; Premium & Deluxe Annual Pass Holders, AAA & Disney Visa Members receive 20% discount.
- Approximately 3 hours.
  • Follow your mysterious Guide through the Disneyland Resport at dusk and prepare for a night of chilling tales and eerie, other-worldly attractions, sights, and suprise "treats"!
  • Enjoy 4 thrilling attractions and take home a special "rememberance" of your visit.
Holiday Time at Disneyland
- $64 a Guest; Premium & Deluxe Annual Pass Holders, AAA & Disney Visa Members receive 20% discount.
-Approximately 2.5 hours.
  • Discover the holiday history of the Disneyland Resport and learn how this season is celebrated around the world.
  • Experience 2 classic holiday-themed attractions.
  • See our "Christmas Fantasy" parade with reserved seating while enjoying a holiday treat.
  • Take home an exclusive, collectible tour pin.
Please call Ticketing & Reservations, go online at http://www.disneyland.com/, or visit the Tour Gardens Kiosk loacted in Disneyland Park for current prices and to book your guided Tour experience!

Ticketing & Reservations
714-781-4400

General Information
714-781-7290

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Don't Forget

Be sure to check out the section "Don't Forget..." on the left side of our blog.  You will find a list of items you will want to remember while preparing for your trip.  You can also click on may of the items to read our blog posts on them or be directed to other sources.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Ride Pictures

Many rides at Disney Parks sell pictures that are taken while you are on the ride.  This service is fun and can give you lots of great memories from your vacation.  Here are some tips for buying a ride picture.
1.  If you plan on purchasing a photo try gather your group so you don't have random people sitting in your party.  Also, make a plan as to who will do what when the photo is taken, so no ones head gets blocked. 
2.  You do not need to buy your photo.  You can take a picture of your photo with your camera.  Most photo check locations are immediately outside the ride and Cast Members will not stop you from taking your picture with your camera. 
Above is a photo purchased from the Tower of Terror ride.  This photo probably cost $20.  Below is a picture taken by our camera.  If you are just wanting a memory, this is a great way to enjoy your trip without spending any money.
3.  Do not hide your head in the picture or you will not be allowed to buy it.  (We learned this one the hard way.)
4.  If you ride Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters you don't need to buy your photo.  Disney will allow you to email it to yourself free of charge.  You can then download the photo to your computer.
5.  The only location that is not ideal for taking pictures of your ride photo is California Screamin'.  The sunlight hits the tv viewing area making it difficult to snap your picture.

    Our Photo                   Disney's Photo
6. Even if you have seen your photo a million times it is still fun to stop and check out what face you are making.  This is a perfect opportunity to snap a shot that will last a lifetime.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Christmas

Disneyland takes on a special look from Halloween to Christmas with seasonal decorations adding to its already considerable charm. With the kids out of school for their holiday break, it's a fine time to consider making a trip. Years ago, people said Disneyland was not very busy at Christmas, making it an even more ideal time to visit, but that has changed. It's still a great time to go, and our tips for planning ahead will help you make the most of it.
•Christmas Decorations: Christmas decorations appear everywhere in Disneyland and California Adventure, but they're the best in Toontown and New Orleans Square. Town Square at the end of Main Street boasts a 60-foot Christmas tree covered with thousands of lights and ornaments and Sleeping Beauty's Castle sports snow-topped turrets and more than 50,000 lights.  There are many places to take pictures during the holiday season and lots of holiday merchandise to purchase.
•Haunted Mansion: The special Christmas decorations here, based on Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas" are extensive, with changes from the attractions' normal sights that range from the ghostly dinner party scene to the hitchhiking ghosts that make this Disneyland's best Christmas spot. Ride it twice to take it all in, and be sure to stop by after dark when candles flicker on the outside.  See my post about Halloween at Disneyland for more pictures.
•Small World: Also specially decorated for Christmas and with a special Christmas music track.
 
•Christmas Fantasy Parade: This special Disneyland Christmas parade runs from Small World along Main Street yo Town Square. Check the entertainment schedule when you arrive to find the parade times and which direction it will be traveling. The most crowded place to watch is along Main Street, but it's also the most beautiful.
• Fireworks: Believe in Holiday Magic featuring your favorite Christmas music and a wonderful display of fireworks.
•Snowfall: Just as the fireworks end, snow falls in selected spots through the park. Pick up a Disneyland map at the gate to find out where it happens. The best spots for watching the fireworks are taken as much as two hours before the show, especially in the snowfall locations.
•Santa: Frontierland's Big Thunder Ranch becomes a "West Pole" getaway where Santa can unwind with Mrs. Claus and his team of reindeer. In Toontown, Goofy does the honors for Mr. Claus, and over in California Adventure, you'll find Santa wearing a surfer's shirt and waxing his board.
TIP:
We love to go to Disneyland the week before Thanksgiving week.  All the Christmas decorations are up and you may catch the filming of the "Disneyland Christmas Day Parade."  The park is a little less crowded and Christmas time is the most magical time of the year to go to the park.  Do not go the week of Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years.

PhotoPass


I found the following information on allears.net.  If you want the cheapest way to get PhotoPass photos scroll to the bottom for my idea.  Everything else is very interesting but can be kind of expensive.

What is Disney's PhotoPass?

It used to be Disney's photographers would take pictures of you in a park and give you a slip of paper to claim the photos at the end of the day. If you forgot or if you couldn't get the picture(s) then, you were out of luck. But now, that's all changed... and for the better! With the advantages of digital photography, Disney created the only system of this kind: the photographers still take pictures of your vacation, but now you can claim them any time, including online for 30 days after your trip is over. From there you can view your photos, order prints, and create photo keepsakes. Many guests say since PhotoPass has done away with the long lines to pick up their pictures, they had more photos taken.

How does PhotoPass Work at the Parks?
As Disney likes to put it: Smile! View. Shop.


Smile!: Look for the Disney photographers throughout Walt Disney World's four Theme Parks and the Water Parks, Disneyland's two parks, and New York City's World of Disney. The first photographer will give you a plastic Disney's PhotoPass card with an ID number on the back. Hang onto that card and use it for the duration of your trip. In fact, you can hang on to it and use it on every trip you take! Each time you see one of the roving photographers and want a photo taken, just go up and hand them your card - they'll get you situated, snap the pose, scan your card and off you go - and you can do this as often as you like. Don't worry if you end up with more than one card; your online PhotoPass account allows you to enter multiple cards!

Note: When you first receive your card, be sure to write down your ID number or take a clear digital photo of it. Cards can get lost or mixed up with another guest's. If you have your number, you have your photos. (People also write their family name on the back, or put an address label on the card, so they make sure to get the right card back.)

Water parks give you a special card that you wear around your wrist. Since the bracelet has a snap, it can be clipped to something like a lanyard or a backpack, or keep wearing it on your wrist wherever you go in Disney. These handy PhotoPass cards have gotten so popular, the Magic Kingdom now gives them at the Pixie Hollow Meet and Greet.

If you attend one of the special parties, such as Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party or Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, you'll get a card for just that event. The card gives you a 40% discount on ALL of your photos for the party. As with your regular PhotoPass cards, make sure you write down the number so you have it if the card gets lost.


View: You can view your pictures in two different ways:

In the parks: go to a Photo Center like the station pictured here. You can find these stations at the parks.

At home: go to http://www.disneyphotopass.com/, register for free, and enter the ID number on your card.

Disney will break down your photos in different views: All of your photos, and then one category for each park. The number of photos that you have for each category is listed right next to its name.

Shop: You can create prints, customized photobooks, T-shirts, mugs greeting cards, and more. For the best value on prints, get your PhotoPass photos on Disney's PhotoCD.




Where are the Photographers?
Costumes - PhotoPass Cast Members (no matter what park they are in) have a standard costume, like the one pictured above: blue shorts or pants, white shirt, khaki photographer's vest.

What are the special "magic" character poses?

The photographers will ask you to do some fun poses. For example, they'll have you cup your hands or have you put them in the air like you're lifting something. When you view your photos, you'll see Tinker Bell, Figment, or Simba now added to your "magical photos". A lot of characters can appear like this one with Mickey balloons added to your hand!

Another new magic photo is Tinker Bell's wings added to your back. The PhotoPass staff at Magic Kingdom said it's available at Pixie Hollow, but that you can also ask for it wherever you see a PhotoPass photographer at a garden location. Like the Mickey balloons above, let the photographers know you were told you can have it.  There are always new poses and almost every photographer will have you do some sort of pose.


Locations & Maps


Click here to see PhotoPass Photographer Maps! Look for a PhotoPass photographer wherever you see a camera symbol . These are the only official maps showing PhotoPass locations, but in general, you'll find the photographers near any park entrances, the main icons, and at most Disney character meet and greets. They can also temporarily be at special locations such as in World Showcase in Epcot taking advantage of the sun setting on the lagoon.

PhotoPass is also available at select dining locations. If you purchase the photos offered tableside, they can add your pictures to your Disney's PhotoPass account. (Note: Tableside photo purchase is required to add dining photos to your Disney's PhotoPass ID.)

More locations are added during special times such as for the Holiday Decorations, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, and Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. Like the regular locations, these can change.

Professional Portrait Service - You can have professional portraits taken of you and your family while you're at Walt Disney World. You'll have the beautiful resorts as your backdrop as they take dozens of photos. You need to make a reservation, so for more information or to schedule a portrait session, call 407-934-4004.

 Disney's PhotoPass General Tips

Save your ID number(s): Write it down or take a digital picture of it. If you have your ID, you have your photos, no matter what happens to the card.

Get in the photo instead of taking it! Have a Disney's PhotoPass photographer take professional quality photos of you and your family amidst the magic—at no charge.* You'll receive a Disney's PhotoPass card which will allow you to go online to view your photos. Photos must be claimed within 30 days.

Gets lots of photos: Start capturing the memories early in your stay. Let the Disney PhotoPass photographers help position your party for a variety of poses, plus candid moments.

Easy Card Access: Keep your Disney PhotoPass card in the clear plastic holder on your lanyard. It avoids having to fumble for the card and it can be scanned without having to take the card out.

Pet Owners: you get two opportunities: First, Disney's Animal Kingdom is the only place where the kennel is inside the entrance, so it's a great chance to have access to Disney's Photopass Photographers! You can even get photos in front of the Animal Kingdom Christmas tree during the holidays. Second, also during the holidays, Santa's Chalet at Downtown Disney is now open to pets too!

Strollers: Take children out of the stroller before taking pictures with the PhotoPass photographers. Pictures come out so much better so the canopy doesn't shade their faces or hide their heads in the photos. Well worth the effort for great pictures.

Don't forget night photos: When getting a picture with the park icons, get lots of pictures. Also make sure to go back and get additional photos after dark. The same pictures of those places after dark make for a completely different photograph.

Check your PhotoPass pictures before you leave a park: If something has unfortunately happened with the photos, something can be done to fix the situation. Cast Members (if time allows) may be able to help search for lost photos; if not, the online center will help recover them. If you don't like how the pictures came out, you don't have to wait until you get home to find out, and you may be able to get a replacement taken before you leave. If you want to be extra safe, you can have the photographer take a picture with your own camera.

Missing Photos: If you have any pictures missing, contact Disney's PhotoPass. They will ask you for the day, time, and place where your picture was taken. If you have a digital picture of someone in the missing photos, you can send it to them making it easier and faster for them to find your pictures.

Editing Photos: As a precaution, make sure to save in the format you want (4x6 or 5x7, etc) when doing any edits such as borders. Otherwise, you might be causing trouble for later printing when you think it's a 4x6 later, but you actually saved it as a 5x7.

Pay attention to the dates! Each photo is online for 30 days from when it was taken. Make sure you claim your photos on http://www.disneyphotopass.com/ before the 30 days are up. They will be deleted from the system and can't be restored.

Check The Status Of Your Order: select the "Check Order Status" link in your order confirmation email. You can also check your order status online by clicking on the "Check Order Status" link on your "My Account" page.



Disney's PhotoPass: Tips on Posing


Get creative! Some photographers come up with great ideas, and you can come up with your own. Some of the best photos had guests:

Surrounded by balloons on Main Street. When a balloon cast member isn't busy, this makes for a colorful, unique background, and the photographer can work it so it looks like you're holding the balloons (but don't really!).

Taking advantage of other Disney icons: A photographer noticed a Main Street trolley coming towards them in the background and had a couple move to the side. Their photo now has them, the castle, and the trolley all framed in the shot. Another couple had a banner announcing a new attraction as their background.

Toasting is not just for champagne! One family toasted each other with their favorite Disney treat: Mickey ice cream bars!

Newlyweds and for your anniversary: A closeup of Mickey and Minnie's hands (gloves) laying on top of each other, palm up, and the guests' hands laying on top of theirs to display their wedding rings. In a pinch, if both Mickey and Minnie aren't available, one of them can use both their hands to lay underneath the couple's.

Take flight! Peter Pan had a guest leap into the air with him like they were taking flight. Lisa on the AllEars.Net team actually brought in an apple and pretended to be poisoned with the Evil Queen from Snow White.

Use each other as props! A photographer had one wife ride piggyback on her husband, pointing out the direction they should take next on their adventure!

Getting autographs makes a nice candid as you talk to a character.

Refer to http://www.disneyphotopass.com/ or a PhotoPass location in the park for prices and items available with your photos.



***OUR COST SAVING TIP:***
Disney Cast Members will take pictures with your camera along with taking pictures with the PhotoPass.  Have them take pictures with both and compare.  If they add special items to your photo, check the website at home and snap a picture on your camera.  The quality may not be as good as a Disney Print, but at least you have the memory.  This way you don't have to purchase their prints and you still have some of the magic of Disney!
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